Eritrea

No News is Bad News: Media Suppression in Eritrea

Eritrea, known as the "Pearl of the Red Sea," is a northeast African nation with a rich history, natural wonders, and resilient people. Its landscapes include arid deserts, highlands, and pristine beaches and coral reefs. The Dahlak Archipelago offers untouched islands for adventurers and dreamers. Asmara, the capital, is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, blending Italian colonial designs and modernist visions. The city's palm-lined streets are filled with the aroma of traditional coffee ceremonies, where stories flow freely.

Eritrea's history is rooted in ancient Axumite civilizations and people's resilience. The nation has nine diverse ethnic groups, blending languages, traditions, and vibrant festivals. Eritrea is where the past whispers to the present, and nature's beauty meets a culture of strength, offering contemplation and discovery.

No amount of landscape, beautiful structures or rich culture is of consequence if human rights are violated. This is the story of Eritrea from the point of view of media oppression.

Let us dive deep.

Eritrea-map-boundaries-cities-locator.jpg (1600×1330)

Overview of the Media Landscape in Eritrea

Eritrea's media landscape is dominated by the government, with severe restrictions on freedom of expression and a lack of independent journalism. Since 2001, Eritrea has been the only African country without privately owned media outlets, highlighting its historical context and current state.

Eritrea is the most censored country in the world (2019)

An Eritrean walks by the office of the country’s sole Internet provider in Asmara. The government controls the Internet and all media in Eritrea, creating a restrictive environment for the press. (AP/Andrew England)

Historical Context

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and had a vibrant media scene with private newspapers. However, after an attempted coup, the government cracked down on dissent, closing private newspapers and arresting many journalists in 2001. This silenced independent voices and established a state-controlled media environment.

10 Most Censored Countries: #1 Eritrea

Current State of Media

The Eritrean government restricts media freedom due to concerns about national security and public order. They argue that independent media threatens the state and that the closure of private newspapers and the arrest of journalists are necessary measures. Legal frameworks like the Press Proclamation Law are used for censorship and emergency publication bans. They fear potential coups or uprisings and justify extensive censorship and repression to protect national sovereignty and maintain public order amidst perceived external and internal dangers.

Young Eritreans return from a military training academy on August 18, 2019 in Elabered, Eritrea. © 2019 Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images

Government Control and Propaganda

The Eritrean government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, controls all media outlets, including newspapers like Hadas Eritrea and Eritrea Profile, which spread government propaganda. The Ministry of Information oversees state-run outlets like Eri TV and Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea, which promote government policies. Independent media has been banned since 2001, allowing the Ministry of Information to control public perception and suppress dissent. This media monopoly protects the government from criticism and maintains its authoritarian rule.

Regulatory Framework

The Eritrean government detains journalists without trial under the Transitional Penal Code, citing national security and public order concerns. Following a crackdown on independent media in 2001, authorities argued these measures were necessary during perceived threats to the state. However, legal protections were sidelined, leading to journalists being held incommunicado for years and denied access to legal representation and a fair trial, violating international human rights standards.

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and 30 other non-governmental organizations, including CPJ, urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the special rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea.

Lack of Press Freedom

According to Reporters Without Borders, Eritrea is among the worst countries regarding press freedom. The legal framework allows for widespread censorship and punishment of dissent, with arbitrary detention and a high number of jailed journalists worldwide, according to recent reports.

Eritrea's government's oppressive regime has led to numerous challenges for independent media. Private media has been banned since 2001, leaving no legal platform for dissenting voices. The government controls information, stifling diverse viewpoints. Journalists face arbitrary detention without trial, creating a fear-based climate. Limited internet access restricts outreach and audience engagement for independent reporting. The government claims detaining journalists without trial is necessary to protect national security and public order, arguing independent media poses a threat to the state and detained journalists are involved in treasonous activities.

The Erosion of the Rule of Law in Eritrea: Silencing Freedom of ExpressionPromoting Citizenship and Preventing Statelessness in South Africa: A Practitioner's Guide

Journalists in Eritrea are subjected to self-censorship due to fear of government reprisal, resulting in a lack of critical reporting and pro-government narratives. The absence of independent media since 2001 has limited diverse viewpoints and investigative journalism, stifling public discourse and resulting in a lack of accountability for government actions, which in turn results in inaccurate news coverage.

Internet Access and Usage

The internet penetration in Eritrea is low, with only 26.6% of the population online as of early 2024. This restricts access to alternative news sources, limiting the dissemination of independent information. This results in many Eritreans relying on state-controlled media, promoting government propaganda. The limited internet access also stifles public discourse and diminishes the effectiveness of exile-based media, perpetuating the government's control over information and limiting citizens' awareness of critical issues.

Eritreans use social media to access international news and communicate with family despite risks. Apps like WhatsApp help keep them connected to global events despite the oppressive environment in their homeland. These methods create a network of information, counteracting the isolation imposed by the Eritrean government.

Ahmer Khan CTA

Alternative Media Sources

Despite the oppressive environment, alternative media sources, such as Radio Erena in Paris, Assenna TV in London, and Awate.com in the US, provide news coverage and analysis on Eritrean affairs. However, these outlets face challenges due to government jamming efforts and cyber-attacks aimed at silencing dissenting voices.

Collecting reliable information from Eritrea is exhausting

Eritrea's exile media face challenges in accessing reliable information, limited resources, safety concerns, and technological barriers. Government censorship and fear of reprisals limit reporting, while exiled media organizations rely on donations and personal loans. The regime also punishes dissent and monitors communications, endangering sources. Poor internet access restricts outreach, making satellite broadcasting the primary method for disseminating news.

Radio Erena, founded in 2009 by Eritrean journalists in Paris, broadcasts independent news in Eritrea through satellite, internet, and mobile applications. Operating in Tigrinya and Arabic, it covers local and international news, culture, and politics. Despite the Eritrean government's suppression of dissenting voices, many Eritreans access the station through satellite dishes and radios. The station's YouTube channel and social media presence enhance its reach among the diaspora and within Eritrea. A free phone service also allows refugees and diaspora members to listen to broadcasts.

Radio Erena still the only source of independent news for Eritreans

The Freedom Friday Movement, also known as Arbi Harnet, distributes its underground newspaper, MeqaleH Forto, through informal networks in Eritrea. A small team of writers collaborates on content while local activists discreetly circulate the publication. This grassroots approach is crucial when privately owned media is banned. Financial support comes from movement supporters via social media platforms like Facebook.

Interview With Eritrea’s “Freedom Friday” Organizers (2012)

Long-term Implications for Society

Media repression in Eritrea has severe long-term effects on society, leading to a culture of fear, self-censorship, and apathy. The absence of independent media stifles public discourse, limiting access to diverse viewpoints and critical information. This environment fosters ignorance about national and global issues, perpetuating government propaganda. The repression also contributes to a lack of accountability for human rights abuses, hindering the development of a politically aware and active citizenry.

Human Rights Violations

Eritrea's media freedom repression is linked to broader human rights abuses, as independent journalism hinders public scrutiny of government actions. Many journalists have been detained without charge for years, with some believed to have died in custody, creating a fear-based climate that discourages dissent and criticism against the regime.

African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights violations include:

Article 1: Failure to respect and ensure the rights enshrined in the Charter.

Article 6: Denial of the right to personal liberty and security, exemplified by arbitrary detentions.

Article 7: Violations of the right to a fair trial, with many detainees held without trial for extended periods.

Article 9: Restrictions on freedom of expression, where citizens face punishment for voicing dissent.

Article 14: Denial of the right to property, particularly through state-sponsored confiscation and exploitation

Eritrean refugees are a significant source of human rights abuses, exposing the systematic suppression of dissent in Eritrea and host countries. Their testimonies reveal unlawful detentions and enforced disappearances of critics and journalists, and they often face violence and intimidation in neighboring countries. By sharing their stories, Eritrean refugees contribute to global awareness and advocacy efforts to combat media repression and promote human rights.

Impact on Public Awareness

Eritrea's lack of independent media and government accountability leads to limited public awareness about national issues and misinformation, restricting access to diverse information and promoting state-controlled narratives. Citizens who distribute independent news face severe consequences, including arbitrary detention, imprisonment, and harsh penalties. This results in social stigma and isolation, hindering open discussion on political issues.

Eritreans primarily access news from abroad through exile-based media outlets, using VPNs and encrypted messaging apps to bypass government censorship. They also rely on word-of-mouth and private discussions. Refugees in neighboring countries often relay information back home, but the government's strict control over communication channels limits the effectiveness of these independent news sources.

manipur-Jyotsna-Mohan-CTA

Impact on Journalists

Eritrean journalists, often exiled, use secure communication channels and encrypted messaging apps to avoid detection. They establish independent media outlets abroad and build networks with trusted sources within Eritrea. This resourcefulness helps them circumvent government surveillance and censorship, enabling the dissemination of independent news to Eritrean citizens. 

Eritrea has not reported significant cases of journalists being released after prolonged detention. Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist, has been imprisoned since 2001 without trial. Despite international calls for his release, the Eritrean government has not clarified his condition or charges. The global community is advocating for his freedom, highlighting the plight of journalists in authoritarian regimes and the hostile political climate for journalism.

Underground Newspapers

The Freedom Friday Movement in Eritrea has launched an underground newspaper called MeqaleH Forto to provide independent news and connect resistance movements within the country and the diaspora. Produced by a small team operating both within Eritrea and abroad, the newspaper's limited circulation represents a significant effort to challenge state-controlled narratives and maintain the spirit of independent journalism in a repressive environment.

Impact on Political Landscape

Eritrea's absence of private media exacerbates authoritarian rule by allowing state-controlled outlets to serve as propaganda tools, suppress dissent, and limit public discourse. This environment stifles political engagement, allows unchecked human rights abuses, and prevents accountability. The legal framework punishes dissent, creating a fear-based climate that discourages opposition. Political polarization and media capture in Eritrea hinder journalists' work, leading to severe repression, arbitrary detention, and self-censorship. This lack of legal protections prevents journalists from operating freely or engaging in investigative reporting.

Impact on the Eritrean Economy

Eritrea's economy has been severely impacted by media repression, stifling free expression and information flow. Since the closure of private media in 2001, the state controls all information, creating a fear-based climate that discourages investment and entrepreneurship. The lack of independent journalism prevents accountability and transparency, causing economic stagnation. Eritrea ranks 179 out of 180 in press freedom, making it one of the least free and economically challenged nations globally.

Young Eritreans Would Rather Risk Death at Sea Than Let Their Leaders Take Their Freedom

Eritrean refugees hold placards during a protest against the Eritrean government outside their embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel May 11, 2015. Source: HRW.org

Eritrea's media repression and government control create uncertainty and risk for foreign investment. The absence of transparent communication channels limits market assessment and business opportunities. Eritrea's reputation as one of the world's most censored countries raises concerns about human rights violations, further dissuading investment due to ethical considerations and potential reputational damage for foreign firms.

Eritrea's media repression and government control pose risks to foreign investment due to the lack of transparent communication channels, limiting market assessment and business opportunities. The country's reputation for human rights violations further discourages investment due to ethical concerns and potential reputational damage.

International Response and Support

International organizations have criticized Eritrea's media policies and called for reforms to protect freedom of expression. However, the Eritrean government resists these efforts, viewing external criticism as an attack on its sovereignty. Reporters Without Borders and Article 19 highlight press freedom repression, including long-term journalist imprisonment and the absence of independent media since 2001. International support is crucial for the survival of independent media outlets like Radio Erena, which operates from exile, and for raising awareness about Eritrea's media repression.

Mapping a Surge of Disinformation in Africa

International sanctions targeting Eritrea's officials for human rights abuses have had limited effectiveness in influencing the country's media policies. Despite sanctions from the UN, the U.S., and the EU, they have not significantly changed the government's strict media control or repression of independent journalism. The regime continues to justify its restrictions under national security and reliance on state-controlled narratives, allowing it to persist in its repressive practices without substantial accountability.

International organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are instrumental in supporting exiled Eritrean journalists by providing platforms for their voices and advocating for press freedom. RSF supports independent media like Radio Erena, while CPJ collaborates with NGOs to hold the Eritrean government accountable for human rights abuses against journalists. PEN Eritrea in Exile promotes the work of exiled writers and journalists.

Ahmer Khan CTA

Eritrean Diaspora

Eritreans use social media platforms to counter state propaganda and raise awareness about human rights abuses. These platforms foster discussions that challenge government narratives and connect with citizens back home despite potential censorship and repression. Eritrean diaspora media outlets like Radio Erena, Erisat, and Awate.com significantly influence Eritrean politics. They broadcast news in Tigrinya and Arabic, reaching half a million listeners weekly. These outlets maintain the spirit of independent journalism among Eritreans.

The Eritrean diaspora uses digital media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to engage with Eritrean politics. They discuss national identity, human rights violations, and political mobilization against the government. They share news, organize protests, and foster solidarity among Eritreans abroad. The diaspora also uses blogs and websites to document government abuses and advocate for democratic reforms.

The Eritrean government has intensified repression and control against diaspora media, filtering information and instilling fear among citizens. They use tactics like collecting a 2% diaspora tax to assert loyalty and discredit opposition voices. They also use social media for trolling and attacking dissenting platforms, aiming to counter the mobilization and activism of Eritreans abroad against human rights abuses.

Recommendations 

Various measures to combat media repression in Eritrea are being proposed based on the country's current human rights situation and freedom of expression.

Advocacy for International Pressure

Countries and organizations should increase diplomatic pressure on the Eritrean government through the United Nations and regional bodies to uphold human rights standards, especially in freedom of expression and press freedom. Targeted sanctions against key Eritrean officials responsible for human rights abuses, such as asset freezes and travel bans, can deter further repression.

Support for Independent Journalism

The recommendation emphasizes the importance of funding and training Eritrean journalists in exile, promoting alternative media platforms, and supporting initiatives that provide secure communication tools to protect journalists from government surveillance. It also highlights the need to develop digital journalism skills for reporting outside the country and countering state-controlled narratives.

We advocate for legal reforms in Eritrea to address media repression and promote civil liberties, including freedom of expression. We also emphasize the importance of systematically documenting human rights violations against journalists and media personnel to raise awareness and mobilize international support. At the same time, organizations should continue to report on these abuses.

Community Engagement

Strengthening networks among Eritrean diaspora communities can amplify voices for change, engage in advocacy, raise awareness, and support pro-democracy movements. Public awareness campaigns, such as social media campaigns, documentaries, and public events, can mobilize global civil society against media repression in Eritrea.

Technology Utilization

Promoting secure communication tools and digital literacy programs can help journalists and activists share information safely without fear of government interference. Implementing these programs can empower citizens to access independent information sources and engage in civic discourse more effectively.

Conclusion

A nation can be developed only if progress is inclusive. The citizens are the largest stakeholders and have a right to know. This is fundamental, and Eritrea can be considered at a ‘rock-bottom’ position. Any actions taken individually or collectively can only lift the situation. This is because there is no possibility of going further down.

As a global media agency connected to several countries, we consider it our moral responsibility to create awareness. Helpless citizens need to know about what they are missing in life. 

We fervently hope this article will reach the masses in Eritrea.

manipur-Jyotsna-Mohan-CTA

Usha Menon

With over 25 years of experience as an architect, urban designer, and green building consultant, Usha has been designing sustainable, and visionary spaces. She has published a book, has been actively blogging, and is on social media. Now, her journey is transitioning to full-time writing. Her words will continue to craft stories, not brick and mortar, but in the realm of ideas, fostering a better, more inspired world.

Latest from Brown News